Not much in the way of crevasses on the glacier. We moved well up to the notch between North and Middle. One group member had some issues on the final ridge that forced them to turn back, but everyone else made it aside from a second who went back with them for safety sake. Windy, but not bad.

My wife and I took a group up the West Face of MS. We started at the Obsidian trailhead. Hiked up to, and camped at Arrowhead Lake (6900') Saturday night. Sunday, started climbing at 5:00am, and summited at 10:00am. Our route touched the south edge of the Renfrew Glacier, and then straight up the West Face, which is a nice blocky stair step to the summit. We descended the North Ridge / Renfrew Glacier route. The weather was perfect. Arrowhead Lake is still frozen and covered with snow, but had a couple of exposed spots for a great water source. Camp spots at Arrowhead Lake are bare and snow free. Crampons are necessary if climbing in the early morning...ice axe and helmet are, of course, advisable.

Snowshoed in from Pole Cr. Record spring snow in the Cascades. Snow and wind Monday afternoon and night but totally clear early morning. My partner became ill at the saddle and I summited solo. Beautiful day.

As part of my solo Marathon, I camped at the highest cave in Oregon on the summit of Middle Sister, so I had to re-summit it after climbing N. Sister earlier in the day. Then I went down the west side to do South Sister the next day. One of the most incredible climbs of my life. I also had a ice alpine summit of Middle from the Obsidian Trail side earlier in the year.

We camped somwhere just east of camp lake. Hiked a ridge that I believe was the next ridge over from the main southeast route. No need for crampons or ice ax via this route, unless you start really early. The snow was mushy enough that crampons wouldnt have done anything. Mosquitos are heinous in places, not bad at all in other spots. I would recommend camping lower to avoid the bugs.

Attempted to climb from the Obsidian Trailhead, but we ended up starting at 7 miles down the Old McKenzie Hwy because the road is still closed. Heavy snow covered the ground for at least a few feet starting at the trailhead and all the trails are completely buried. We navigated by the lava flows, but had to turn back after thick fog and snow rolled in.

Climbing partner and I planning Middle Sister climb on weekend of Aug 15th... previous postings suggest that crampons a good even in mid-summer - would you agree? My review of maps does not make clear quickest road access and trail to ascend - any suggestions? much appreciated.

We climbed the north ridge from the Hayden Glacier, got hit by a thunderstorm and descended to the PCT on the (west) Obsidian side. The next morning we hiked south and reclimbed the mountain from the PCT via Chambers Lakes and up the south ridge. We redescended the north ridge and Hayden Glacier before hiking out to Pole Creek Trailhead. Amazing weekend!

Made a nice 2 day trip up Middle Sister to test out a bunch of gear and better coordinate packing for a 3 month trip we're planning this summer. Turns out the gear wasn't the issue, we are both just horribly out of shape. Fun snow climb up the North Ridge and great weather, just beat the Memorial Day Crowd.